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Endless Curiosity

Anne Neilson Fine Art

May 17, 2025

Open through:

Curiosity is the most essential tool I have in creating my paintings. It is a continuous wonder of "how" and "why," without the need for immediate explanation.

The painter Richard Diebenkorn once said, “Attempt what is not certain. Certainty may or may not come later. It may be a valuable delusion.” This sentiment captures the essence of my creative process. In the face of infinite possibilities, a rhythm of confidence can develop, and while that’s empowering, I’m often struck by the uncertainty of the decisions I face. Do I take the risk to change a color, erase a line, or more dramatically, paint over an entire section that I once deemed "untouchable"?

On the surface, these choices may seem like steps backward, possibly altering my relationship with the subject. However, it is precisely this challenge, this "embrace of uncertainty," that drives me to discover new ways of approaching my work. With each decision, I find myself strengthening my resolve and the blind trust I place in the process compels me to move forward, to see where it will lead.

As someone deeply inspired by music and its inherent connection to painting, I stand in awe of the artists who continue to evolve, adapting to new experiences and exploring fresh ideas. Just as music captures the sensibilities of our ever-changing lives, so too does painting, for me. I am not the same artist I was 25 years ago, and this journey of discovery fuels my curiosity. I often ask myself, “Why not? Let’s see where this takes me.”

My paintings are part of an ongoing dialogue—a dialogue that hangs on the delicate thread of uncertainty, woven through with the same innocent curiosity that inspired me from the beginning.
Be determined, we mustn’t wait for inspiration's push.'

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